Re: 2018 fire restrictions

Just saw that Blue Ridge Reservoir is closed because of low water levels and hazardous conditions. Wonder how many other lakes will be shut down. I am in Coconino forest now and it is really dry. They have all the red flag restrictions in place.

Re: 2018 fire restrictions

I spoke too soon. They reevaluated and deciced to open it. C.C. Cragin Reservoir opens tomorrow

Release Date: Apr 13, 2018

Contact(s): Mogollon Rim Ranger Station: 928-477-2255

CLINTS WELL, Ariz., April 13, 2018, For Immediate Release — After further risk assessment and mitigation performed by Forest Service personnel and Arizona Game and Fish Department, Forest Road 751 leading to C.C. Cragin (aka Blue Ridge) Reservoir will open to vehicles Saturday morning beginning at 8 a.m.

Water levels in the reservoir continue to be low, and the public is advised to be aware of underwater hazards.

Due to the low water levels, a section of the boat ramp is closed to vehicles in order to keep vehicles and trailers from backing up to the water’s edge. As such, any kayaks, canoes or small boats will have to be carried to the water’s edge by foot.

For more information about the reservoir status and Mogollon Rim Ranger District, please contact the ranger station at 928-477-2255. Information about C.C. Cragin Reservoir water levels can be found on SRP’s website at www.tinyurl.com/CCCraginRes.

Re: 2018 fire restrictions

Kaibab National Forest to implement fire restrictions across Williams and Tusayan Ranger Districts starting this Friday

Williams, Ariz., April 23, 2018—For Immediate Release.

The Kaibab National Forest will implement campfire and smoking restrictions, also known as Stage I fire restrictions, across the entire Williams and Tusayan Ranger Districts beginning at 8 a.m. this Friday. Due to different weather and fuel conditions, the North Kaibab Ranger District, which is located north of Grand Canyon National Park, will not yet implement any fire restrictions.

Under the restrictions to be implemented Friday across the Williams and Tusayan Ranger Districts, fires, campfires, charcoal, coal and wood stoves are prohibited, except within the specific developed recreation sites listed here:

Kaibab Lake Campground, Williams Ranger District

Dogtown Lake Campground, Williams Ranger District

White Horse Lake Campground, Williams Ranger District

Tex-X Campground, Tusayan Ranger District

Stage I restrictions also limit smoking to within enclosed vehicles or buildings or in the listed developed recreation sites.
Using a device that is solely fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off is allowed in areas that are barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within 3 feet of the device. Fireworks are always prohibited on all National Forest lands.

The Forest Service uses fire restrictions to help prevent unwanted, human-caused fires and to limit the exposure of visitors during periods of potentially dangerous fire conditions. Implementation of fire restrictions normally occurs based on a combination of factors that are carefully measured.

Criteria used to determine when to implement restrictions include things such as current and predicted weather, fuel moisture, a variety of science-based indices, fire activity levels and available firefighting resources. Additional restrictions may be applied any time that conditions warrant. Fire restrictions typically remain in effect until the area covered by the restrictions receives significant precipitation, at which time they will be rescinded.
Forest officials would also like to remind visitors that having a campfire on the National Forest while under fire restrictions is a violation that carries a mandatory appearance in federal court. Violations are punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000, imprisonment of not more than six months, or both.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

These fire restrictions apply only to the Williams and Tusayan Ranger Districts of the Kaibab National Forest. However, many city, state, and county agencies implement similar restrictions, so members of the public should check with the appropriate agency on any restrictions before starting a campfire, charcoal grill or anything with an open flame.

Members of the public can find additional information on the Kaibab National Forest through the following sources:

Re: 2018 fire restrictions

The day after fire restrictions go in effect, they announce a controlled burn, yea that makes sense.

Kaibab National Forest to conduct prescribed burn near Tusayan tomorrow

Tusayan, Ariz., April 24, 2018—For Immediate Release. Fire crews with the Kaibab National Forest plan to implement a prescribed fire project near Tusayan starting tomorrow and continuing through Thursday in order to improve forest health and reduce the risk of unnaturally severe wildfire to the community.

The area to be treated is part of the Reed Prescribed Fire Project, which has blocks both southwest and east of the Town of Tusayan. This week, fire managers will focus on the 250-acre block southwest of Tusayan and south of Grand Canyon Airport. Ignitions will begin early tomorrow morning and are expected to be complete by Thursday evening.

Because of the proximity of the area to be treated to the community and the possibility of smoke impacts, fire managers look for very specific weather, fuel and wind conditions under which to ignite within the Reed Prescribed Fire Project. Fire managers plan to take advantage of predicted conditions over the next couple of days, due to winds that are anticipated to move the majority of the smoke west and away from Tusayan, the airport, Grand Canyon National Park, and state Highway 64.

Fire managers recognize the negative effects that lingering smoke can have on communities after a prescribed fire and are constantly adjusting tactics to minimize impacts. Ignitions only occur on specific days when winds will transport smoke away from sensitive locations and busy roadways. Crews will also burn smaller acreage blocks and begin earlier in the day in order to minimize smoke production time and allow for good ventilation throughout the afternoon. This strategy will lessen the early morning smoke that can carry into town from evening downslope winds.
Despite these mitigation efforts, some smoke is still likely to be visible at different times from state Highway 64 and from the communities of Grand Canyon, Valle and Tusayan.

The Kaibab National Forest is part of a fire-adapted ecosystem. It is dependent on fire to play a natural role in maintaining vibrant forest health. Fire on the landscape is critical to overall ecosystem functioning and to reducing threats posed to communities by unnaturally severe wildfire and its sometimes devastating after effects, such as watershed degradation and flooding.

Fire managers work closely with local town officials, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, partners in the Grand Canyon National Park, as well as surrounding Native American tribes to monitor air quality whenever burns are implemented.

The public can view approved prescribed fires for any given day on the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality’s website at http://smoke.azdeq.gov/. Prescribed fires on the Kaibab National Forest begin with the forest’s designator “KNF.”

Re: 2018 fire restrictions

Coconino announced their restrictions yesterday, effective Friday.

The spring, between the snow and the fire restrictions are my favorite time to camp up north. No crowds, and lakes are fresh from winter snow. Sadly haven't gotten out all season due to remodeling my house on the weekends so far. It's just not the same without a good campfire.

Starting Wednesday, April 18th at 0800, state-managed and owned lands in Gila County will go into Stage II Fire Restrictions.

Stage II restrictions are more stringent than Stage I and include, no campfires.

“After speaking with our partners at the Tonto National Forest, we have made the decision to follow their lead and go into Stage II Fire Restrictions in Gila County. This is not something we want to do so early in the year, but we need to be proactive. The increasing temperatures, lack of moisture, and drought-like conditions reinforce our decision to implement restrictions. It is important we work together with our federal cooperators to keep fire activity low and reduce the risk of devastating wildfires,” said State Forester Jeff Whitney.

Restrictions apply to the following state-owned and state-managed lands within the above-mentioned counties including:
• All State Trust lands outside incorporated municipalities.
• All Game and Fish Commission Wildlife areas and department properties outside incorporated municipalities.
• All State Parks outside incorporated municipalities – State Parks will remain open with campfires allowed in developed campgrounds.
• All Department of Transportation highway, right-of-way property outside incorporated municipalities, not owned by federal land management agencies.

Restrictions include:
• No campfires. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal fire, or wood stove, including in developed campgrounds or improved sites is prohibited.
• Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building.
• No chainsaw use from 9am – 8pm.
• Discharging a firearm, air rifle or gun gas, unless while engaged in a lawful hunt pursuant to state, federal, or tribal laws and regulations is prohibited.
• Fireworks or another incendiary device are prohibited.
• Mechanical and industrial prohibitions include, operating any internal combustion engine, welding or operating acetylene or other torch with an open flame, and using an explosive.

Exemptions include:
• Persons with a written permit that specifically authorizes the otherwise prohibited act. This process can be utilized in cases where public works and public utility emergency repairs are necessary.
• Industrial operations where specific operations and exemptions are identified and mitigation measures are implemented as outline in an agency plan.
• Persons using a device fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off is permitted. Such devices can only be used in an area that is barren or clear of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three feet of the device.
• Operating generators with an approved spark arresting device within an enclosed vehicle or building, or in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials with three feet of the generator.
• Operating motorized vehicles on designated roads and you must park in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the roadway.
• Persons conducting activities in those designated areas where the activity is specifically authorized by written posted notice.
• Any federal, state or local law enforcement officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting organization, or other authorized personnel in the performance of an official duty.
• All land within a city boundary is exempted unless otherwise stated in a city ordinance.
• Discharging of firearms is allowed on agency designated shooting ranges.

All exemptions to these restrictions must be approved by the State Forester.

If local authorities have imposed stronger restrictions then those listed above, than the local restrictions shall apply.

These restrictions apply to all permit and lease holders and other authorized users of state-managed lands.

These restrictions do not apply to private lands under ARS § 37-1303.

Restrictions are effective at 0800 on Wednesday, April 18th, and will continue until rescinded.

Re: 2018 fire restrictions

TUCSON, AZ
Effective Tuesday, May 1, and until rescinded, the following will implement campfire and smoking restrictions in southeastern Arizona:

Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management

Bureau of Land Management Gila District

all districts of the Coronado National Forest

Saguaro National Park

Casa Grande Ruins National Monument

Coronado National Memorial

Chiricahua National Monument

Fort Bowie National Historic Site

Tumacácori National Historical Park

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

San Bernardino, Leslie Canyon and Buenos Aries National Wildlife Refuges

Beginning May 1, and until rescinded, the following are prohibited:

Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove fire, including within a developed recreation site, or improved site.

Using an explosive.

Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building. (Smoking is prohibited in all federal buildings.)

Operating or using any equipment powered by an internal combustion engine, except motor vehicles.

Welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame.

Discharging a firearm, air rifle or gas gun, except while engaged in a lawful hunt pursuant to state, federal, or tribal law, and regulations.
Possessing or operating motor vehicles off National Forest System roads, including but not limited to cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, and ATVs, except for when parking in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the roadway, and except for parking overnight in Forest Service developed campground and trailheads.

Fireworks are always prohibited year-round on federal lands.

Violation of restrictions on federal lands is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor, which includes a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual and up to $10,000 for organizations and possible imprisonment for not more than six (6) months or both. Violators may also be held personally responsible for reimbursement of fire suppression costs. Arizona and New Mexico state laws carry similar penalties.

Pressurized liquid or gas stoves, lanterns and heaters possessing shut-off devices are allowed. When using a portable stove, make sure the area is clear of grasses and other fine fuels. Prevent stoves from tipping and starting a fire.

Cigarettes should never be thrown out the window of a vehicle. Instead, ashtrays should be used in order to prevent wildfires.

Never park a vehicle over dead grass; the catalytic converter can ignite the vegetation.

Fire conditions as well as localized closures and restrictions are subject to change. Because tribal, federal, state, and local mandates are different, they may have some differences in their restriction notices. For a more detailed explanation concerning agency restrictions and fire information in general, please contact the nearest land management agency office where you plan to work or play, visit http://wildlandfire.az.gov or call the toll-free Southwest Fire Restrictions Hotline at 1-877-864-6985.

Re: 2018 fire restrictions

Williams, Ariz., May 10, 2018—For Immediate Release. Due to increasing fire danger with warmer and dryer weather conditions in the immediate forecast, the Kaibab National Forest will issue a temporary closure for the Bill Williams Mountain watershed area beginning Friday and continuing until the area receives significant precipitation.

This action is necessary to safeguard public health and safety from exposure to the associated hazards of wildland fire, and to directly protect vital watershed resources contributing to the City of Williams water supply. This order only affects national forest areas, roads and trails located within the boundary of the watershed on the Williams Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest and does not affect private property.

The closure boundary begins at the junction of Interstate 40 and Forest Road (FR) 108, commonly known as the Devil Dog exit, and travels south and east along FR108 to the junction of FR108 and County Road (CR) 73. The boundary then extends north along CR 73 to the junction of Old Route 66 in the city of Williams. From this junction, the boundary travels west to the junction of Old Route 66 and Interstate 40 at the Country Club exit. The boundary then travels west along Interstate 40 to the junction of FR 108 at the Devil Dog exit.

All lands, roads and trails within the perimeter of the closure area will be closed to the public until the area receives significant precipitation and fire danger decreases.

The Williams and Tusayan Ranger Districts are both currently under Stage II fire restrictions. These restrictions limit the kinds of activities typically allowed on the forest and will remain in effect until significant and widespread moisture arrives.
Due to different weather and fuel conditions, the North Kaibab Ranger District, which is located north of Grand Canyon National Park, has not yet implemented any fire restrictions.

Under the Stage II fire restrictions the following acts are prohibited:

Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove fire, including fires in developed campgrounds and improved sites.

Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building.

Discharging a firearm except while engaged in a lawful hunt pursuant to state, federal, or tribal laws and regulations.

Operating chainsaws or any internal combustion engine between the hours of 9 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Welding or operating acetylene or other torches with an open flame.

Using an explosive. (It is always illegal to use any kind of explosives on National Forest lands.)

As a reminder, fireworks and all pyrotechnic devices are always prohibited on National Forest lands.

Exemptions to the Stage II fire restrictions include the following:

Using a device fueled solely by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off. Such devices can only be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within 3 feet of the device.

Operating generators with an approved spark arresting device within an enclosed vehicle or building or in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within 3 feet of the generator.

Operating motorized vehicles in compliance with the Kaibab National Forest’s Travel Management regulations. Parking off any road must be in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within 3 feet of the vehicle.

The Forest Service uses fire restrictions and area closures to help prevent unwanted, human-caused fires and to limit the exposure of visitors during periods of potentially dangerous fire conditions. Implementation of fire restrictions and area closures normally occur based on a combination of factors that are carefully measured.

Criteria used to determine when to implement restrictions include things such as current and predicted weather, fuel moisture, a variety of science-based indices, fire activity levels and available firefighting resources. Additional restrictions may be applied any time that conditions warrant. Fire restrictions and area closures typically remain in effect until the area covered receives significant precipitation, at which time they will be rescinded.

Forest officials would also like to remind visitors that having a campfire on the National Forest while under fire restrictions is a violation of law requiring a mandatory appearance in federal court and consequent fines and possible jail time. Visitors should use extra caution when recreating on all public lands during times of the year when fire danger is increased.

Know Before You Go! Members of the public can find additional information through the following sources: